Cops nab politician escort over gun ban violation

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - A civilian close-in security escort of a local politician here was arrested in a checkpoint  in this city for violating the Commission on Election (Comelec) gun ban Sunday night, police said.

The suspect who was the first to be arrested for comelec gun ban violation in this city was identified as Sabandro Manuel, 42, one of the security escorts of a city councilor, the Police Station 5 under Police Supt. Haywien Salvado said.

Manuel was collared while trying to pass through a checkpoint set up along the Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat National Highway in Barangay Boalan, east of this city about 9: 15 p.m., Sunday.

Despite carrying his permit to carry firearm outside residence (PTCFOR) and firearm’s license card, Manuel was deemed to be violating the gun ban because he was unable to show Comelec exemption paper to carry a gun, the police said.

The police recovered from Manuel his 9mm beretta with serial # F3239Z, and a magazine loaded with 13 live ammunition.

The suspect was locked up at the police station.

Police Director General Alan Purisima in his visit last week here gave a strict directive to all police officers here to implement the total gun ban.  - Roel Pareño